The Role of Water Chemistry in Marine Aquarium Design: A Model System for a General Chemistry ClassJeffrey J. Keaffaber, Ramiro Palma, and Kathryn R. WilliamsWater chemistry is central to aquarium design, and it provides many potential applications for discussion in undergraduate chemistry and engineering courses. This article uses a hypothetical tank to house ocean sunfish as a model to show students the calculations and other considerations that are needed when designing a marine aquarium.Keaffaber, Jeffrey J.; Palma, Ramiro; Williams, Kathryn R. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 225.

Acids / Bases |

Aqueous Solution Chemistry |

Consumer Chemistry |

Oxidation / Reduction |

Stoichiometry |

Water / Water Chemistry

The Use of Conjugate Charts in Transfer Reactions: A Unified ApproachMichael I. AllnuttRedox reactions are discussed in terms of the relative strengths of the oxidant, the reductant, and their conjugates; a conjugate chart is a convenient and useful way of doing this. A similar chart for acids and bases that can be applied in the same manner is proposed.Allnutt, Michael I. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 1659.

Procedure for Decomposing a Redox Reaction into Half-ReactionsIlie Fishtik and Ladislav H. BerkaThe principle of stoichiometric uniqueness provides a simple algorithm to check whether a simple redox reaction may be uniquely decomposed into half-reactions in a single way. For complex redox reactions the approach permits a complete enumeration of a finite and unique number of ways a redox reaction may be decomposed into half-reactions. Several examples are given. Fishtik, Ilie; Berka, Ladislav H. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 553.

Stoichiometry |

Equilibrium |

Electrochemistry |

Oxidation / Reduction |

Reactions |

Thermodynamics

A Methane Balloon Inflation ChamberCurtis J. Czerwinski and Tanya J. CordesWhile several lecture demonstrations are possible using methane-filled balloons, it is often inconvenient to prepare these balloons since the pressure from standard laboratory and lecture hall gas nozzles is too low. As a solution to this problem, a methane balloon inflation chamber, prepared from a translucent 3.5-gallon pail and an aspirator or house-vacuum, provides an inexpensive and convenient method for inflating balloons in laboratories or lecture halls. Prepared in this way, methane-filled balloons can be used to demonstrate the effects of vacuum, the lifting power of low-density gases, and the explosive combustion of methane. Czerwinski, Curtis J.; Cordes, Tanya J. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 248.

Alkanes / Cycloalkanes |

Calorimetry / Thermochemistry |

Gases |

Oxidation / Reduction |

Reactions

Isolation of Copper from a 5–Cent Coin. An Example of ElectrorefiningSteven G. SogoThe United States 5cent coin, commonly known as a "nickel", is made of an alloy containing 75% copper and 25% nickel. The experiment is a visually appealing illustration of the process of electrorefining using selective reduction.Sogo, Steven G. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 530.

Photogalvanic Cells for Classroom Investigations: A Contribution for Ongoing Curriculum ModernizationClaudia Bohrmann-Linde and Michael W. TauschLaboratory experiments examining the fundamental processes in the conversion of light into electrical energy using photogalvanic cells have been developed. These simple cells are suitable for classroom investigations examining the operating principles of photogalvanic cells and the influence of different parameters on their efficiency. Bohrmann-Linde, Claudia; Tausch, Michael W. J. Chem. Educ.2003, 80, 1471.

Electrochemistry |

Atomic Properties / Structure |

Photochemistry |

Oxidation / Reduction |

Electrolytic / Galvanic Cells / Potentials

Lithium Batteries: A Practical Application of Chemical PrinciplesRichard S. TreptowIn recent years batteries have emerged in the marketplace that take advantage of the unique properties of lithium. Lithium metal is an attractive choice to serve as a battery anode because it is easily oxidized and it produces an exceptionally high amount of electrical charge per unit-weight.Treptow, Richard S. J. Chem. Educ.2003, 80, 1015.

Consumer Chemistry |

Electrochemistry |

Oxidation / Reduction |

Electrolytic / Galvanic Cells / Potentials |

Applications of Chemistry

Lithium Batteries: A Practical Application of Chemical PrinciplesRichard S. TreptowIn recent years batteries have emerged in the marketplace that take advantage of the unique properties of lithium. Lithium metal is an attractive choice to serve as a battery anode because it is easily oxidized and it produces an exceptionally high amount of electrical charge per unit-weight.Treptow, Richard S. J. Chem. Educ.2003, 80, 1015.

The Household Chemistry of Cleaning PenniesLaurence D. RosenheinAlthough it is well known that solutions of vinegar and table salt are effective in removing tarnish from pennies, chemical explanations of this behavior are not included in sources of this "household chemistry" and erroneous explanations have crept into popular literature on this subject; this article provides some relevant empirical information on the system.Rosenhein, Laurence D. J. Chem. Educ.2001, 78, 513.

Consumer Chemistry |

Coordination Compounds |

Oxidation / Reduction

Teaching about Flame Retardants. A Joint Israeli-Dutch ProjectMiri Kesner and Wobbe de VosFlame retardants make interesting chemistry and moreover, the chemistry is highly relevant from an everyday life point of view. This article reports on a joint Israeli-Dutch project aimed at teaching the production, properties, and applications of some bromine-containing flame retardants, including their environmental aspects, in secondary education. Kesner, Miri; de Vos, Wobbe. J. Chem. Educ.2001, 78, 41.

Is It Real Gold?Harold H. HarrisThe oxidation-reduction couples involved in the corrosion of gold alloys and the dissolution of "noble" metals are related to an inquiry to the newspaper columnist, Ann Landers. the origin of several contemporary phrases (touch stone, acid test, Hallmark) are found in the chemistry of gold. Harris, Harold H. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 198.

Acids / Bases |

Oxidation / Reduction |

Qualitative Analysis |

Applications of Chemistry

Student Construction of a Gel-Filled Ag/AgCl Reference Electrode for Use in a Potentiometric TitrationJames M. ThomasInstructions for the preparation of a Ag/AgCl "reference"-type electrode that uses a gel-type matrix are given. In addition, construction steps are provided for a very sturdy Pt-nichrome "inert" electrode, which can be used many times. Together, these two electrodes, along with a multivoltmeter, have been used successfully to determine the percent of iron in Fe(NH4)2(SO4)2 and in Fe2O2 unknowns purchased commercially. Thomas, James M. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 97.

Slide Projector Corrosion CellSilvia Tejada, Estela Guevara, and Esperanza OlivaresThe process of corrosion can be demonstrated in a slide projector, since the cell is in the shape of a slide, or on the stage of an overhead projector by setting up a simple galvanic cell. Corrosion occurs as the result of a galvanic cell reaction, in which the corroding metal acts as the anode. Several simple demonstrations relating to corrosion are described here.Tejada, Silvia; Guevara, Estela; Olivares, Esperanza. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 747.

Is This Reaction a Substitution, Oxidation-Reduction, or Transfer?Imyanitov, Naum S.Author argues that separation of chemical reaction types based on convention do not always follow objective and consistent rules. This leads to confusion among students and artificial borders within the various sub-disciplines in chemistry.Imyanitov, Naum S. J. Chem. Educ.1993, 70, 14.

Algorithm for plotting titration curves.Jackman, Donald C.de Moura's algorithm for plotting redox titration curves seems to be good for systems that are not dependent on pH or product concentration, but is not applicable to those situations that is student is more likely to encounter.Jackman, Donald C. J. Chem. Educ.1992, 69, 257.

Thermodynamics and reactions in the dry wayTykodi, Ralph J.In dealing with reactions in the dry way, we can actually "see" in detail the workings of the thermodynamic machinery responsible for moving the reaction in the spontaneous direction. This note presents ideas at the general chemistry level.Tykodi, Ralph J. J. Chem. Educ.1986, 63, 107.

Metal-ligand complexes-a calculation challengeRamette, R. W.The purpose of this paper is to illustrate one of the most important experimental methods for studying complex equilibria and to present synthetic data as a challenge to the many sophisticated calculation procedure that enjoy various degrees of loyalty around the world.Ramette, R. W. J. Chem. Educ.1983, 60, 946.

The precipitation of ferrous hydroxide: A lecture demonstrationLau, O. W.This demonstration can illustrate such topics as the solubility of ionic compounds, electrode potentials of transition elements and their modification by formation of either an insoluble compound of a complex ion, and mixed valence compounds.Lau, O. W. J. Chem. Educ.1979, 56, 474.

Precipitation / Solubility |

Solutions / Solvents |

Aqueous Solution Chemistry |

Transition Elements |

Metals |

Oxidation / Reduction |

Oxidation State

Compact CompactsHuebner, Jay S.; Shiflett, R. B.; Blanck, Harvey F.A collection of three suggestions regarding demonstrating the oxidation of hydrocarbons and the primary, secondary, and tertiary structure of proteins and the first law of thermodynamics as applied to air conditioning.Huebner, Jay S.; Shiflett, R. B.; Blanck, Harvey F. J. Chem. Educ.1979, 56, 389.

A novel approach for qualitative analysisOphadt, Charles E.This qualitative analysis series allows students to spend a semester exploring the behavior of one ion during the course of a semester that might not be readily learned from a textbook.Ophadt, Charles E. J. Chem. Educ.1974, 51, 415.

Descriptive Chemistry |

Metals |

Oxidation / Reduction

CorrosionSlabaugh, W. H.The topic of corrosion extends several basic concepts of electrochemistry with which students can relate. This article outlines: standard electrochemical potentials; corrosion of iron' corrosion of aluminum; application of electrochemical concepts; and ideas for some experiments.Slabaugh, W. H. J. Chem. Educ.1974, 51, 218.

Oxidation / Reduction |

Consumer Chemistry |

Electrochemistry

Conjugate acid-base and redox theoryPacer, Richard A.Consideration of relative oxidizing / reducing strength would be greatly facilitated if this topic were presented in terms of transfer of one or more electrons between members of a conjugate redox pair.Pacer, Richard A. J. Chem. Educ.1973, 50, 178.

Interpretation of oxidation-reductionGoodstein, Madeline P.Presents an interpretation of the oxidation number system based upon the electronegativity principle, thus removing the adjective "arbitrary" frequently found in the descriptions of oxidation number.Goodstein, Madeline P. J. Chem. Educ.1970, 47, 452.

Effect of complexing agents on oxidation potentialsHelsen, JefA short note on a simple experiment to demonstrate the effect of complexing agents on the oxidation-reduction properties of redox couples such as Fe3+/Fe2+.Helsen, Jef J. Chem. Educ.1968, 45, 518.

Letters to the editorCampbell, J. A.The author includes an interpretation of the "Beating Heart Experiment" which was omitted in an earlier Journal article.Campbell, J. A. J. Chem. Educ.1957, 34, 362.

Oxidation / Reduction |

Electrochemistry

LettersHackney, J. C.The author elaborates on the source of a fallacy in the calculation of an overall redox potential by combination of two half-cell potentials.Hackney, J. C. J. Chem. Educ.1952, 29, 472.